How much do you get your dog involved in your Christmas rituals each year? Here are our tips for including them in as many parts of the Christmas season as possible! From their very own Christmas dinner to a visit to meet Santa, you’re sure to find a fresh tradition or two among these ideas…
1. Let them count down to Christmas
A family Advent calendar is a top tradition in so many homes, and how many kids get their very own chocolate-filled ones these days? Your dog can join in the fun, too. They’ll obviously have to stay clear of chocolate calendars, but there are plenty of companies offering dog-friendly calendars with tasty treats inside them. Or if you have a dog with allergies or who only likes their favourite foodie snacks, you can always fill a calendar yourself. This Festive Friends calendar from rexlondon.com is not only decorated with adorable doggies, but also includes 24 drawers that can be filled with dog toys and treats of your choice. It can also be used again year after year, making it a sustainable choice, too.
2. Bring them along to Christmas events
Whether you’re heading off to see the Christmas lights being switched on in your hometown, want to go and see a festival of lights, or are even thinking of meeting Santa, consider taking your dog along.
Always check with each event to make sure it’s dog-friendly before making any plans, but if you look you’ll find many welcoming canine companions. There are also plenty of festive events that are completely tailored to dogs. Due to its growing popularity, Dobbies has doubled the booking slots of its Santa Paws events this year. Dogs will get the chance to visit Santa at Dobbies stores across the UK, take part in a sniff-ari game before getting a picture with Santa and taking home a tail-wagging gift. This experience starts on Sunday 23 November, through to Christmas Eve. To find out more, visit dobbies.com For even more inspiration, turn to our travel guide on page 44
3. Hang up their own stocking
Why not get a special stocking for your dog to put up with the rest of the family’s stockings hanging from the mantelpiece? You can buy many commercial stockings filled with dog-friendly treats, but you might get extra joy from buying a fabric stocking and filling it with items you know your dog will love. From chew toys to deer antlers, have fun selecting the very best dog-friendly mini gifts.
This cute Doggy Daycare Christmas Stocking from sophieallport.com is generously sized and perfect for pets. Just don’t leave it unattended with your dog, as those pom-poms look very tempting for strong chewers!
4. Give them their own Christmas Dinner
Whether or not part of the fun of Christmas dinner is the extra guest sat patiently under the table, waiting for stray bits of turkey or roasties to fall to the floor, your dog can enjoy a festive lunch.
You could give your dog a few items in their bowl from your own Christmas meal – as long as they are suitable for dogs. To keep it completely dog-safe, however, many brands create a ‘Christmas dinner’ recipe that’s been especially made for them, such as Lily’s Kitchen’s Christmas Dinner - a Turkey with Ham and All The Trimmings recipe. Or while you tuck into your Christmas feast, keep your dog happy and occupied with a lick mat. The Rosewood Christmas lick mat with a turkey and cranberry paste will go down a festive treat! These mats can often be filled and popped in the freezer for a few hours first to make them last longer, too.
5. Buy your dog a big present
Whether we admit it to ourselves or not, one of the highlights of Christmas morning is opening our presents! The ripping off of wrapping paper in excitement can also be a fun activity for your dog, too. Something special, such as a new dog bed or a puzzle toy, will make their day and will spread the joy to the rest of the family as everyone can watch them enjoy using it. Or their present could be something they get to experience later over the Christmas period, such as the booking of an off-lead secure dog field session, or a new coat for winter.
6. Dress them up with festive flair!
From matching festive pyjamas and Christmas jumpers, to elf outfits and traditional Santa hats, Christmas attire has become a deeply embedded festive tradition. While dressing your dog up in something that could be uncomfortable or unwelcome is never recommended, there are lots of subtle ways to give your dog some festive glamour without distressing them.
It could be a festive collar and lead set, a Christmassy coat, or a bandana or bow tie. Just ensure your dog is enjoying it and don’t forget to remove them if your dog is being left unsupervised at any point!
7. Give them a Christmas tipple
While your dog won’t be plyed with alcohol, they can enjoy a Christmas tipple! There are some doggy ‘beers’ available on the market which have been designed so your dog can enjoy a special drink, remain teetotal, and even get a health boost at the same time. Imagine that, healthy beer! One such example is Woof and Brew Bottom Sniffer Beer (woofandbrew.com). This brew is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Alcohol-free and non-carbonated, it’s brewed in Britain, developed with experts and vet-approved as safe. You can pour it over their food or serve it as a drink. Bottoms up!
If you want a longer-lasting ‘beer’ for your dog, you can try something like this fun PetLight lightly squeaky ‘lager’ soft toy, available from rudytoystore.etsy.com
8. Take them on Christmas Day walkies
This is one tradition that’s likely already on many dog owners’ agendas. You could take your pup on a pre-lunch walk around the block to give those slaving away in the kitchen some peace and quiet. A trip to the local park, where your dog can let off steam after opening all those presents, is probably a good idea, so they don’t get too hyper in the home.
The main walking event can wait until after Christmas dinner. Getting some fresh air while allowing the main roast dinner to go down, can be a great idea for all the family and gives your dog the exercise they need at the same time. You could even make it part of the fun and games by planning a Christmas activity, such as a simple scavenger hunt around your local neighbourhood. Or head further afield to get those steps in if your dog is high-energy!
9. Create a pawfect Christmas tree decoration
Deck the halls with your dog at the centre of your decorations this year. Make a special hanging ornament for your Christmas tree using their paw print. It’s easy to do using a kit – there are several on the market, including this Air Drying Pet Paw Print Impression Moulding Kit sold by The Lovely Gift Group (thelovelykeepsakecompany.co.uk/products/clay-pet-paw-impression-moulding-kit). Each kit comes with 100g of lightweight air-drying moulding clay, a hole-piercing tool and ribbon for hanging. You'll have enough clay to make 1-2 average paw-sized impressions. A great way for your dog to make a lasting impression each Christmas!
10. Include them in your family Christmas cards
If you like to send out family-themed Christmas cards or round robin letters in December, make sure your dog is included in the family photos you take for them. You can go for a simple, relaxed picture taken on holiday or on a dog walk - just choose from the best photos you’ve taken throughout the year. Alternatively, you can go all out and get your dog to pose with you next to a decorated Christmas tree, so your festive send includes the whole family.